Hey there, fellow food lover! Let’s talk about one of the most underrated workhorses in the kitchen: the electric skillet. If you’ve ever found yourself juggling pans on a crowded stovetop or struggling with a burner that’s either scorching hot or lukewarm, you know the frustration. This is where my in-depth Presto Electric Skillet Review comes in. For years, I’ve seen these appliances in kitchens, and I finally decided to put one through its paces to see if it truly lives up to the hype. Is it just another gadget destined for the back of the cupboard, or is it the secret to easier, more consistent cooking? Let’s plug it in and find out.
Why Even Consider a Presto Electric Skillet?
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, you might be asking, “Why Presto?” In the world of kitchen appliances, Presto is a household name, and for good reason. They’ve been around since 1905, and they practically pioneered the immersible electric cooking appliance. They have a long-standing reputation for creating reliable, no-fuss products that just work. This isn’t some fly-by-night brand; it’s a legacy built on making everyday cooking more manageable for millions of families. This history of dependability is the first thing that makes a Presto electric skillet review worthwhile.
The Core Features That Make It Tick
When you get down to it, an electric skillet seems simple. It’s a pan that heats itself. But the magic is in the details, and Presto has refined these details over decades.
The Brains of the Operation: Control Master Heat Control
This is the heart of every Presto electric skillet. It’s a detachable probe that plugs into the side of the skillet and contains the thermostat. Why is this so great?
- Precision: It maintains the set temperature accurately. Unlike a stovetop where you guess between “medium” and “medium-low,” here you set it to 350°F, and it stays at 350°F.
- Consistency: This means no more hot spots. Your pancakes will be evenly golden brown from edge to edge, and your chicken will fry to perfection without some pieces burning while others are still raw.
- Convenience: Once you’re done cooking, you just detach the probe, and the skillet itself becomes fully immersible for easy washing. No more trying to awkwardly wash an appliance with a cord dangling from it.
According to appliance engineer John Carter, “The detachable probe design, like Presto’s Control Master, was a game-changer. It not only improved temperature accuracy but fundamentally solved the clean-up problem that plagued early electric cookware.”
The Cooking Surface: What’s It Made Of?
Most Presto skillets feature a heavy-cast aluminum base, which is fantastic for conducting heat evenly. The surface itself is where you have a choice. You’ll typically find a durable non-stick finish. This means you can use less oil, and food slides right off. From frying eggs to searing steaks, the release is impressive. It also makes cleanup, which we’ll get to later, an absolute breeze.
The See-Through Lid
It might seem like a small thing, but the tempered glass lid is a huge plus. You can keep an eye on your food as it simmers, steams, or fries without lifting the lid and letting all that precious heat and moisture escape. Many lids also have a steam vent to prevent pressure from building up.
My Presto Electric Skillet Review: Putting It to the Test
Talk is cheap, so I put my Presto skillet through a series of real-world kitchen challenges.
The Pancake Test: This is the ultimate test of even heating. I set the temperature to 375°F, lightly greased the surface, and poured on the batter. The result? A perfect batch of six medium-sized pancakes, all cooked to the exact same shade of golden-brown. No burnt centers or pale edges.
The Fried Chicken Test: Maintaining a consistent oil temperature is key for crispy, not greasy, fried chicken. I filled the skillet with about an inch of oil and set it to 400°F. The Control Master probe did its job flawlessly, keeping the oil at the perfect temperature. The high dome lid also helped contain most of the splatter. The chicken came out incredibly crispy and juicy.
The “One-Pot” Meal Test: I made a sausage and pepper stir-fry. The large surface area was a huge advantage over a traditional wok on my small stove burner. I had plenty of room to move the ingredients around, and everything cooked quickly and evenly. From there, I transitioned right into a simmer sauce. The skillet held a low, steady temperature perfectly.
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Our Picks for the Best Electric Skillet in 2025
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| Num | Product | Action |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Presto 06852 16-Inch Electric Skillet with Glass Cover |
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| 2 | Elite Gourmet EG-6203# Extra Deep 16\"x13\"x3.2\" (10.5Qt.) Scratch Resistant, Easy Pour Spout Dishwasher Safe, Non-stick Electric Skillet with Glass Vented Lid, Adjustable Temperature, Black |
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| 3 | Crux Extra Deep Nonstick Scratch Resistant Electric Skillet with Removeable Temperature Probe, 12\" x 12\", silver (14620) |
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| 4 | Presto 06857 16-inch Electric Foldaway Skillet, Black |
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| 5 | bella Make & Take Electric Skillet, Fits-anywhere™ kitchenware, EverGood™ Ceramic Coating, Adjustable Temperature & Dishwasher-Safe Tempered Glass Lid, Cast Aluminum Base, 1200 Watt, Surf |
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| 6 | BLACK+DECKER Electric Skillet, Variable Temperature Control, Nonstick Cooking Surface, Dishwasher Safe, Tempered Glass Lid, 12\"x15\" |
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| 7 | Elite Gourmet 12\" x 12\" x 3” Ceralast™ Ceramic Non-stick PFAS Free, Dishwasher Safe Electric Skillet, Xtra Deep Dish, Rapid Heat 1200W, Black |
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| 8 | Presto 07117 12\" Electric Skillet with glass cover |
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| 9 | Chefman XL Electric Griddle with Removable Temperature Control, Immersible Flat Top Grill, Burger, Eggs, Pancake Griddle, Nonstick Extra Large Cooking Surface, Slide Out Drip Tray, 10 x 20 Inch |
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| 10 | Elite Gourmet EG808 8” x 8\" Non-stick Electric Skillet, Dishwasher Safe with Tempered Glass Vented Lid, Rapid Heat Up, 600W, Black |
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What Can You Cook in a Presto Electric Skillet?
This is where the fun begins. An electric skillet is far more versatile than most people think. It’s not just for frying. Think of it as a portable, multi-purpose cooking station.
- Breakfast: Pancakes, french toast, bacon, sausage, hash browns, scrambled eggs, and frittatas.
- Lunch & Dinner: Grilled cheese sandwiches, burgers, steaks, pork chops, stir-fries, and fajitas.
- Deep Frying: Because of its deep sides and precise temperature control, it’s ideal for doughnuts, french fries, and fried chicken.
- Simmering & Braising: Perfect for stews, chilis, curries, and braised short ribs.
- As a Buffet Server: Set it to the “warm” setting, and it becomes the perfect serving dish for parties, keeping everything from meatballs to macaroni and cheese at the perfect temperature.
You can even bake in it! People make everything from coffee cakes to cornbread right in their electric skillet.
Is a Presto Electric Skillet Easy to Clean?
Yes, it is incredibly easy to clean. This is one of its biggest selling points and a major factor in any positive Presto electric skillet review. Because the electrical component is completely in the detachable probe, the skillet base itself is 100% dishwasher safe.
Here’s the simple cleanup process:
- Make sure the skillet is unplugged and has cooled down.
- Remove the Control Master heat control probe. Never get this part wet.
- Wipe out any excess grease or food bits from the skillet with a paper towel.
- Place the skillet and lid directly in the dishwasher, or wash by hand with warm, soapy water.
It’s that simple. No more struggling with a bulky, awkward appliance at the sink.
Final Verdict: Is It Worth Your Money?
After extensive use and testing, my Presto electric skillet review comes to a very clear conclusion: absolutely, yes. This isn’t just a redundant appliance; it’s a problem-solver.
It’s perfect for:
- People with small kitchens or limited stovetop space.
- College students in dorms or anyone in an apartment without a full kitchen.
- Families who need to cook larger batches of food at once.
- Anyone who hosts parties and needs an efficient way to cook and keep food warm.
- Those who value precise, even cooking without the guesswork.
The Presto electric skillet isn’t trying to be a fancy, high-tech gadget. It does a few things, and it does them exceptionally well. It offers reliability, convenience, and cooking consistency at a very affordable price point. It’s a classic for a reason, and it has certainly earned a permanent spot in my kitchen arsenal.
If you have your own experiences, tips, or a favorite recipe you make in your skillet, I’d love to hear about it in the comments below! Sharing our kitchen wisdom is what this community is all about. This final Presto electric skillet review is a definite two thumbs up.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can you put a Presto electric skillet in the dishwasher?
A: Yes, absolutely. As long as you have removed the Control Master heat control probe, the skillet base and the lid are fully immersible and dishwasher safe, which makes cleanup incredibly easy.
Q: How hot does a Presto electric skillet get?
A: Most Presto electric skillets have a temperature range from “Warm” (around 200°F or 93°C) up to 400°F (204°C). This wide range allows you to do everything from keeping food warm to deep frying.
Q: Can I use metal utensils on my Presto non-stick skillet?
A: It is highly recommended to avoid using metal utensils, as they can scratch and damage the non-stick coating. Opt for wood, silicone, or heat-safe nylon utensils to preserve the life of your skillet.
Q: Is the Presto skillet good for frying chicken?
A: Yes, it is excellent for frying chicken. Its deep sides help contain oil splatter, and the precise temperature control ensures the oil stays at the perfect temperature for crispy, juicy, and perfectly cooked results.
Q: My Presto electric skillet isn’t heating up. What’s wrong?
A: The most common issue is that the Control Master probe is not fully inserted into the skillet’s socket. Unplug it from the wall, then push the probe in firmly until it clicks or sits flush. If it still doesn’t heat, there may be an issue with the probe or the outlet.